Management of the patient with a total joint replacement: the primary care practitioner's role.

The primary care practitioner assumes chief responsibility for patients with arthritis. More than 40 million Americans experience some form of arthritis. Management of the patient with arthritis may include a referral to an orthopedic surgeon for surgical intervention. As estimated, up to 500,000 total joint replacement procedures are performed by orthopedic surgeons each year in the United States. Presurgical evaluation for a total joint replacement is imperative to ensure that the patient can safely undergo this surgical procedure. Postsurgical care of a patient with total joint replacement involves coordinating care with the physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon to ensure adequate follow-through with the recommended rehabilitation program, prophylactic antibiotic coverage, and observation for any complications including infection, deep-vein thrombosis, or loosening of the total-joint prosthesis.